Foam respiratory mask
A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a foam interfacing portion adapted to provide a nasal interface to contact under and around the patient's nose in use and including an orifice adapted to surround both the patient's nares in use, and a positioning and stabilizing structure to support the foam interfacing portion in an operative position on the patient's face. The positioning and stabilizing structure is structured to provide a range of rotational, axial, and/or lateral movement to the foam interfacing portion while maintaining a sufficient interface and resisting the application of tube drag and/or headgear tension to the foam interfacing portion.
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- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/735,977, filed Aug. 27, 2010, which was the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/AU2009/000240, filed Feb. 27, 2009, which designated the U.S. and claims the benefit of Australian Provisional Application No. AU 2008901057, filed Mar. 4, 2008, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to a respiratory mask used for treatment, e.g., of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPY). In particular, the present invention relates to a respiratory mask with a foam contacting portion. Also, the present invention relates to a respiratory mask that is comfortable, easy to use and requires little maintenance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTypically, respiratory therapy is delivered in the form of a respiratory mask or mask system positioned between a patient and apparatus providing a supply of pressurized air or breathing gas. Mask systems in the field of the invention differ from mask systems used in other applications such as aviation and safety in particular because of their emphasis on comfort. This high level of comfort is desired because patients must sleep wearing the masks for hours, possibly every night for the rest of their lives. In addition, therapy compliance can be improved if the patient's bed partner is not adversely affected by the patient's therapy and wearing of the mask generally.
Mask systems typically have a highly clinical aesthetic (as will be described below). This may lead to patients becoming embarrassed about their therapy since the clinical aesthetic serves as a blatant reminder that they are ill and consequently can leave a negative perception of the patient in the mind of an observer.
Mask systems typically, although not always, comprise (i) a rigid or semi-rigid portion often referred to as a shell or frame, (ii) a soft, patient contacting portion often referred to as a cushion, and (iii) some form of headgear to hold the frame and cushion in position. If the mask system does include multiple components, at least some assembly and adjustment may be required, which can be difficult for patients who may suffer from lack of dexterity, etc. Further, mask systems often include a mechanism for connecting an air delivery conduit. The air delivery conduit may preferably be connected to a blower or flow generator.
Patient contacting portions, e.g., cushions, are typically constructed of a silicone material, but patient contacting portions including foam are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,683 (Le Mitouard) discloses a lining for a mask made of a polyurethane foam covered with skin (e.g., latex or silicone). However, skinned foam does not allow the portion in contact with the face to breathe, which can lead to skin irritation, and the sealing portion may be subject to creasing which may cause discomfort and lead to leak. The skin can also feel too hard for some patients, depending on the thickness and support structure. The skin also does not allow a high degree of local deformation and may be subject to tension transfer across its surface, which can result in shifting of the mask on the face and loss of seal/comfort.
A range of mask systems are known including nasal masks, nose & mouth masks, full face masks and nasal prongs, pillows, nozzles & cannulae. Masks typically cover more of the face than nasal prongs, pillows, nozzles and cannulae.
There is a continuous need in the art to provide mask systems with a high level of comfort and usability and a newly perceived need to provide mask systems having improved aesthetics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of the invention is to provide an attachable interfacing portion for a respiratory mask.
Another aspect of the invention is to provide a removably attachable interfacing portion for a respiratory mask.
In an embodiment, the respiratory mask is a nasal mask, and the interfacing portion is a foam contacting portion that is arranged in use between the nose of the patient and the mask system. The foam contacting portion provides a seal between the nares of the patient and the mask system so as to deliver pressurized gas to the patient. The mask system may include a cushion, gusset and/or frame.
In one form, the nasal mask system may be provided with a releasable and replaceable foam contacting portion that it connected to the mask system by at least one connector.
In embodiments, the foam contacting portion may be connected to the mask system (e.g., connected to the frame, decoupling element, and/or headgear) by male and female connectors, a hook and loop arrangement, a press stud arrangement, hook and loop material, a clip arrangement, and/or an adhesive. In another embodiment, the foam contacting portion may be connected or otherwise provided to the mask system using existing structure on the frame, decoupling element, and/or headgear, e.g., without connectors and/or adhesive.
In another form, the nasal mask system may be provided with a removable foam contacting potion that adjoins to the mask system by wrapping about or around the mask system.
In one form, the foam contacting portion may be retrofitted to an existing nasal mask.
In another form, the foam contacting portion includes a foam sleeve that that may be slidingly positioned over a support structure. The foam sleeve may be removably positionable. In one form, the foam sleeve is sock-like.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient including a foam interfacing portion adapted to provide a nasal interface to contact under and around the patient's nose in use and including an orifice adapted to surround both the patient's nares in use, and a positioning and stabilizing structure to support the foam interfacing portion in an operative position on the patient's face. The positioning and stabilizing structure is structured to provide a range of rotational, axial, and/or lateral movement to the foam interfacing portion while maintaining a sufficient interface and resisting the application of tube drag and/or headgear tension to the foam interfacing portion.
Other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of this invention.
The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments of this invention. In such drawings:
The following description is provided in relation to several embodiments which may share common characteristics and features. It is to be understood that one or more features of any one embodiment may be combinable with one or more features of the other embodiments. In addition, any single feature or combination of features in any of the embodiments may constitute additional embodiments.
In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.
The term “air” will be taken to include breathable gases, for example air with supplemental oxygen. It is also acknowledged that the positive airway pressure (PAP) devices or flow generators described herein may be designed to pump fluids other than air.
In broad terms, a patient interface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may comprise three functional aspects: (i) interfacing, (ii) positioning and stabilizing, and (iii) air delivery. These three functional aspects may be constructed from one or more structural components, with a given structural component potentially fulfilling more than one function. For example, a mask frame may serve as part of a positioning and stabilizing function and allow the supply of air.
In an embodiment, as shown in
In addition, a patient interface 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may perform other functions including venting of exhaled gases, decoupling of potentially seal disruptive forces and adjustment for different sized faces. Venting may be performed by different structures, e.g., such as the frame 110, the elbow 140 and/or the tube 150.
1. Interfacing
1.1 Introduction
In an embodiment, the interfacing function is provided by a nasal cushion (or “nasal cradle”) that is placed at an entrance to the patient's nares. The nasal cushion is structured to form an interface with the nares and is shaped, oriented, sized and constructed so as provide a fit with a range of differently shaped and located flares.
The nasal cushion may be formed of foam (also referred to as a foam contacting portion). As shown generally in
In an embodiment, the foam contacting portion 200 may be maintained in position using stabilizing portions or rigidizers 90 attached to, or formed as part of headgear 50. In this form, the mask system 100 may be generally arranged per ResMed's MIRAGE SWIFT™ nasal pillows and as described in PCT Publication No. WO 2004/073778 (Gunaratnam et al), the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by cross-reference.
1.2 Foam
The foam used for the foam contacting portion 200 may be the same as that disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 2008/070929 (Veliss et al), filed Dec. 14, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, any suitable foam may be used, for example skinned foam.
In another embodiment, the cushion or foam contacting portion 200 of the mask system 100 may be the cushion disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/219,852 (Guney et al), filed Jan. 11, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The foam contacting portion 200 may be a single piece of foam. In another form, the foam contacting portion 200 may be multiple pieces of foam joined together by any suitable means, for example gluing or insert molding.
As shown in the embodiment of
In an embodiment, the thickness of foam contacting portion 200 may be 0.5-50 mm. For example, the thickness of foam contacting portion 200 may be 7-15 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of foam contacting portion 200 may be 11 mm.
In an embodiment, the length of foam contacting portion 200 may be 10 mm-200 mm (or its largest length if it is not square). For example, the length of foam contacting portion 200 may be 40-120 min. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of foam contacting portion 200 may be 105 mm. In an embodiment, the width of foam contacting portion 200 may be 10 mm-100 mm (or its largest width if it is not square). For example, the width of foam contacting portion 200 may be 30-70 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of foam contacting portion 200 may be 50 mm.
As disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 2008/070929 (Veliss et al), the foam contacting portion may be impermeable or air permeable. Air permeability may give the foam interface a unique breathability, which acts to increase the comfort at the interface with the user's nose and skin. All air permeability aspects of PCT Publication No. WO 2008/070929 (Veliss et al) are incorporated herein by reference, and all embodiments in this disclosure may contain foam that is air permeable.
In another embodiment, the foam contacting portion 200 may be retrofitted to existing mask designs, for example ResMed's MIRAGE SWIFT™ as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,437 (Gunaratnam et al) and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0241644 (Lynch et al), each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
1.3 Interface Attachment
Desirable features of an attachment mechanism of the foam contacting portion 200 to the positioning and stabilizing structure may include: satisfactory comfort, effective position of the interfacing portion and/or being easy to use. Due to the softness of foam, hard connecting pieces may in some forms be felt by the patient's face through the foam. Thus, attachment mechanisms that avoid such patient contact may be desired.
In another embodiment, the foam contacting portion 200 may be connected to a positioning and stabilizing structure such as a frame 110 and/or a decoupling element 170 or any other part of the mask system 100 by connecting elements such as hook and loop connectors, press studs, etc. Exemplary connecting elements are described below.
1.3.1 Wrap
In an embodiment, as shown in
The foam contacting portion 200 may be any shape such as generally rectangular (see
As shown in
The male connectors 300 may be fixed to the foam contacting portion 200 by a range of techniques, for example glue. The female connectors 310 may be fixed to the mask system 100 by a range of techniques, for example glue. In another form, the female connectors 310 may be co-molded to the mask system 100. However, the male and female connectors may be permanently or removably attached in other suitable manners.
In a further embodiment, the foam contacting portion 200 may not connect to the mask system 100 by male connectors 300 on the foam contacting portion 200 and female connectors 310 on the mask system 100, e.g., instead the foam contacting portion 200 may reconnect to itself. For example, as shown in
In another embodiment, the foam contacting portion may include a stretchable foam structured to expand or stretch to fit over the frame, decoupling element, etc., and then return to its original shape to tightly grasp the intended surface.
In a further embodiment, the connection mechanism may be via a hook 330 and loop 340 system, as shown in
Alternatively, the reverse arrangement is possible (i.e., loop 340 or hole on the foam contacting portion 200 and hook 330 on the mask system 100). In this form, the loop 340 may be a hole in the foam contacting portion 200, and the hook 330 on the mask system 100 may be an attached or co-molded hook 330 or may be a pre-existing structure on the mask system 100. For example,
In a further embodiment, the connection mechanism may be achieved by a press stud 360 as shown in
In a further embodiment, as shown in
In a further embodiment, the foam contacting portion 200 may be wrapped onto or around the mask system 100 and connected by other type of mechanisms, including but not limited to hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro') or magnets.
In a further embodiment, the wrapped foam contacting portion 200 may be permanently connected to the mask system 100, for example, by gluing, welding or co-molding. For example, the mask system 100 may be made from a foam that can be co-molded with another foam to form the foam contacting portion 200. In yet another embodiment, the foam may be a flocking foam that is provided to (e.g., sprayed onto) the frame, decoupling element, etc.
Exemplary benefits of the wrapped foam contacting portion 200 may include: the ease of sealing the foam contacting portion with the patient and the mask system, continuity of feel, top lip comfort, retro-fitability, intuitiveness of assembly and mass production capability. Other benefits of the wrapped foam may include: if the intention is to replace the foam contacting portion on a regular basis (e.g., daily, weekly or monthly—as disclosed in PCT Publication WO 2008/070929 (Veliss et al)), the portion that is disposed of is small compared to the mask system. This embodiment therefore minimizes waste and maximizes efficiencies around the packaging, storage and transportation of the replacement foam contacting portions.
1.3.2 Clip
In another form, the foam contacting portion 200 may be connected to a mask system 100 by clipping the foam into the mask system 100. The foam contacting portion 200 may be secured in its clipped position on the mask system 100, e.g., by an interference fit.
The clip 400 may be fixed to the foam contacting portion 200 permanently, for example by adhesive or co-molding. Alternatively, clip 400 may be releasably connected to foam contacting portion 200, including but not limited to: hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro™.
In an embodiment, clip 400 may have a support structure 420 that may have a generally elliptical cross section (e.g., see
In an embodiment, clip 400 may comprise an upper surface 440 that engages with foam contacting portion 200 (e.g., see
1.3.3 Other
In a further embodiment, the foam contacting portion 200 need not be connected to the mask system 100 via connecting elements. Rather, the foam contacting portion 200 may be placed on the mask system 100 by other means such as pulled over (e.g., like a sock). For example, as shown in
In another embodiment, the foam contacting portion 200 may be connected to an intermediate connecting structure 315 (see
In a further embodiment, the foam may be fixed (e.g., using an adhesive) to an adaptor or clipping mechanism, which in turn connects via an interference fit onto the mask frame.
1.4 Interface Size
In a further embodiment, the foam may be provided in various sizes to accommodate varying anthropometric requirements. Typical nasal pillow designs have sizes based on the nostrils of the population as these pillows seal around the nares. However, the same sizing may not be ideal for the foam contacting portion 200 as it does not seal on the edge of, or inside the nares. Instead sizing may be based on sealing against the area around the nares (as indicated by the dashed line d1 around the nares in
In a further embodiment, there may be one orifice 250 in the foam contacting portion 200. In one form, the orifice 250 in the foam contacting portion 200 may be generally trapezoidal or ‘D’ shaped as shown in
In a further embodiment and referring to
In a further embodiment, the orifice 250 in the foam contacting portion 200 may have an angle of 10-80° (indicated in
In a further embodiment, there may be more than one orifice 250 in the foam contacting portion 200. In one form, there may be two orifices 250, e.g., each generally oval in shape. In another form, there may be a plurality of orifices 250 (for example, 3, 4, 5, 10 or more), e.g., each that are generally round. In another form, there may be multiple orifices 250 of any shape, within the limits shown above (indicated by the dashed lines d1 and d2 in
2. Positioning and Stabilizing Structure
2.1 Introduction
A patient interface 10 provides a structure for suitable positioning, suspension and stabilizing of the interfacing portion 200 of the patient interface 10 at an entrance to the airways of the patient. This structure includes: the decoupling element 170, the frame 110 and headgear 50 with rigidizers 90. The decoupling element 170 acts as a form of suspension system or force insulation system whereby it isolates forces from one portion of the patient interface 10 from another portion of the patient interface 10. The headgear 50 and rigidizers 90 form a structure that may resist bending in one or more directions (and/or from tube drag) and yet is flexible to conform to different facial geometries, or to move in response to other potentially disruptive forces. In combination with the suspension system, a greater range of movement of a mask system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can be accommodated without disrupting the seal than in prior art mask systems.
2.2 Frame
A frame 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as shown in
Frame 110 may connect to the elbow 140 via aperture 115, whereby the elbow clips into the aperture 115, or interfaces with the aperture 115 by any such means so as to join the elbow 140 to the frame 110. Frame 110 may be generally rectangular or any other desired shape, for example see
2.3 Decoupling Element
Decoupling element 170 may be generally oval as shown in
In a further embodiment, the decoupling element 170 of the support structure may be the decoupling element disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/219,852 (Guney), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In an embodiment, the frame 110 of the mask system 100 may be the frame disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/219,852 (Guney).
The particularly soft mechanical properties of an exemplary foam (as disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 2008/070929 (Veliss et al)) means that the foam contacting portion may be provided with support and reinforcement to perform its function with the nasal air passages. The frame 110 and decoupling element 170 may be suitable structures to provide this supporting mechanism, providing appropriate balance between shape and support for positioning the foam contacting portion 200, structural compliance and resilience for comfort on the nose (e.g., allow rotational, axial, and/or lateral movement to resist tube drag and headgear tension).
2.4 Headgear
Headgear 50 may include three main strap sections: top straps 60, back strap 70 and side straps 80. Top straps 60 may be placed over the top of the patient's head and may be one continuous piece of material or multiple pieces of material joined together by a buckle 95 as shown in
Back strap 70 may be placed around the back of the patient's head and may be one piece of continuous material or multiple pieces of material joined together by a buckle.
Top strap 60 and back strap 70 may be adjusted using hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro™) or with the buckle 95. Buckle 95 may also have a lock that prevents the top strap 60 from loosening off. Such a buckle 95 with lock is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,437 (Gunaratnam et al), which is incorporate herein by reference in its entirety.
Side straps 80 are generally positioned on the sides of the patient's face, from above or near the ear, passing under the eyes and ending at the nose of the patient. Side straps 80 may be reinforced with rigidizers 90 that may assist in supporting the mask system 100 in position. Rigidizers 90 may be attached to side straps at: the patient contacting side of side straps 80 (not shown), within side straps 80 by co-molding or other such technique (not shown), or on the exterior non-patient contacting side of side straps 80 (see
Side straps 80 may also include cheek supports 85 that lie generally horizontally on the cheeks of the patient, generally at the cheek bone region, to better position the mask system 100 on the face of the user. Such an arrangement is shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/219,852 (Guney).
3. Air Delivery
3.1 Introduction
The mask system 100 may be connected to a supply of pressurized breathable gas to deliver therapy to the patient. The air delivery system 130 may include: an elbow 140 and a tube 150 as shown in
3.2 Elbow
Elbow 140 is generally an L-shaped, hollow cylinder and may be constructed of a generally rigid material such as polycarbonate or polypropylene. Elbow 140 may also include one or more vent holes 160 (see
In a further embodiment, the elbow 140 may be the same as that disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/219,852 (Guney).
3.3 Tube
Tube 150 is generally a hollow, cylinder with a reinforcing member 155 (see
Tube 150 may be constructed of a polymer or fabric, e.g., Hytrel™. Such a tube is disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/031,407 (Henry et al), filed Feb. 26, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Tube 150 may connect to the elbow 140 so as to deliver breathable gas to the patient through the patient interface 10. The tube 150 may connect to elbow 140 by any reasonable means, such as a clip, interference fit, etc.
In a further embodiment, the tube 150 may be the same as that disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/219,852 (Guney).
In the illustrated forms of the invention, the mask system 100 of which the foam interfacing portion forms a part is generally configured under the nose of the patient. However, in other forms, the mask system 100 may be a nasal or full-face mask, or an oro-nasal mask. For example, in one form, a foam-based under-the-nose configuration may be combined with a gel, silicone or rubber portion, for example a silicone mouth cushion.
While the invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment. Furthermore, each individual component of any given assembly, one or more portions of an individual component of any given assembly, and various combinations of components from one or more embodiments may include one or more ornamental design features. In addition, while the invention has particular application to patients who suffer from OSA, it is to be appreciated that patients who suffer from other illnesses (e.g., congestive heart failure, diabetes, morbid obesity, stroke, bariatric surgery, etc.) can derive benefit from the above teachings. Moreover, the above teachings have applicability with patients and non-patients alike in non-medical applications.
Claims
1. A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the patient interface comprising:
- a foam interfacing portion formed of foam and adapted to provide a nasal interface, the foam interfacing portion including an orifice adapted to be in fluid communication with both the patient's nares in use; and
- a positioning and stabilizing structure to support the foam interfacing portion in an operative position on the patient's face,
- wherein the foam interfacing portion is removably connected to the positioning and stabilizing structure, the foam interfacing portion being wrapped around at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure such that an exterior surface of a bottom underside portion of the foam interfacing portion forms a concave shape extending from a first side of the at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure to a second side of the at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure opposite the first side, the exterior surface of the bottom underside portion of the foam interfacing portion being in direct contact with the positioning and stabilizing structure, and
- wherein the foam interfacing portion being secured in its wrapped position by one or more connectors.
2. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the positioning and stabilizing structure includes a frame, a decoupling element, and/or headgear.
3. A patient interface according to claim 2, wherein the positioning and stabilizing structure includes the decoupling element, and wherein the foam interfacing portion is provided to an exterior surface of the decoupling element.
4. A patient interface according to claim 2, wherein the positioning and stabilizing structure includes the frame and the decoupling element, and wherein the foam interfacing portion is wrapped around the frame and the decoupling element.
5. A patient interface according to claim 2, wherein the positioning and stabilizing structure includes the decoupling element, and wherein the decoupling element is formed from silicone.
6. A patient interface according to claim 2, wherein the foam interfacing portion is secured in position using existing structure on the decoupling element, frame, and/or headgear.
7. A patient interface according to claim 2, wherein the orifice is structured to align with an orifice provided to the frame and/or decoupling element.
8. A patient interface according to claim 2, wherein the positioning and stabilizing structure includes the frame, and wherein the foam interfacing portion covers substantially an entirety of the frame.
9. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the connectors include a male connector and a female connector.
10. A patient interface according to claim 9, wherein the foam interfacing portion includes the male connector and a frame and/or decoupling element includes the female connector.
11. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the bottom underside portion of the foam interfacing portion has a first end at a first side of the foam interfacing portion and a second end at an opposite second side of the foam interfacing portion, and
- wherein the entire exterior surface from the first end to the second end is formed into the concave shape.
12. A patient interface according to claim 11, wherein an exterior surface on a topside patient-contacting portion of the foam interfacing portion has a convex shape that matches a curvature of the concave shape of the exterior surface of the bottom underside portion of the foam interfacing portion.
13. A patient interface according to claim 12, wherein the convex shape of the exterior surface of the topside patient-contacting portion of the foam interfacing portion is configured and positioned to directly contact under the patient's nose in use.
14. A patient interface according to claim 12, wherein a distance between the exterior surface of the bottom underside portion of the foam interfacing portion and the exterior surface of the topside patient-contacting portion of the foam interfacing portion is uniform from the first side of the foam interfacing portion to the second side of the foam interfacing portion.
15. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the connectors include a hook and loop arrangement.
16. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the connectors include a press stud arrangement.
17. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the connectors include a hook and loop material.
18. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the connectors include a clip arrangement.
19. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the orifice of the foam interfacing portion is D-shaped.
20. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the orifice of the foam interfacing portion includes a width of about 15-50 mm.
21. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the orifice of the foam interfacing portion includes a height of about 5-30 mm.
22. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the foam interfacing portion includes a thickness of about 0.5-50 mm.
23. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the foam interfacing portion includes a length of about 10-200 mm and a width of about 10-100 mm.
24. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the foam interfacing portion is structured to form a seal with the patient's nares.
25. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the bottom underside portion of the foam interfacing portion substantially surrounds the at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure.
26. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the positioning and stabilizing structure is flexible, compressible and/or movable to allow rotational, axial, and/or lateral movement of the foam interfacing portion.
27. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more connectors is disposed on the exterior surface of the bottom underside portion of the foam interfacing portion.
28. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the concave shape substantially conforms to a shape of the at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure.
29. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the foam is configured and positioned to directly contact under and around the patient's nose in use.
30. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the positioning and stabilizing structure includes a frame, and
- wherein the positioning and stabilizing structure resists the application of tube drag and/or headgear tension to the foam interfacing portion.
31. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the foam interfacing portion is wrapped around the positioning and stabilizing structure such that an underside surface of the foam interfacing portion forms an arc shape around the at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure.
32. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein an entire underside surface of the foam interfacing portion is in contact with the positioning and stabilizing structure.
33. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the foam interfacing portion forms an inverted U-shape and the foam interfacing portion covers the at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure.
34. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more connectors is disposed on the exterior surface of the bottom underside portion of the foam interfacing portion, and
- wherein the concave shape substantially conforms to a shape of the at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure.
35. A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the foam interfacing portion is wrapped around the positioning and stabilizing structure such that an underside surface of the foam interfacing portion forms an arc shape around the at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure,
- wherein an entire underside surface of the foam interfacing portion is in contact with the positioning and stabilizing structure,
- wherein the exterior surface of the bottom underside portion of the foam interfacing portion has a first end at a first side of the foam interfacing portion and a second end at an opposite second side of the foam interfacing portion, the entire exterior surface from the first end to the second end being formed into the concave shape,
- wherein an exterior surface on a topside patient-contacting portion of the foam interfacing portion has a convex shape that matches a curvature of the concave shape of the exterior surface of the bottom underside portion of the foam interfacing portion,
- wherein the convex shape of the exterior surface of the topside patient-contacting portion of the foam interfacing portion is configured and positioned to directly contact under the patient's nose in use,
- wherein a distance between the exterior surface of the bottom underside portion of the foam interfacing portion and the exterior surface of the topside patient-contacting portion of the foam interfacing portion is uniform from the first side of the foam interfacing portion to the second side of the foam interfacing portion,
- wherein the foam interfacing portion forms an inverted U-shape and the foam interfacing portion covers the at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure,
- wherein at least one of the one or more connectors is disposed on the exterior surface of the bottom underside portion of the foam interfacing portion, and
- wherein the concave shape substantially conforms to a shape of the at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Jun 28, 2018
Date of Patent: Sep 28, 2021
Patent Publication Number: 20180304037
Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd (Bella Vista)
Inventors: Lee James Veliss (Rotterdam), Alicia Kristianne Wells (Sydney), Fiona Catherine Carroll (Hawkesbury), Gerard Michael Rummery (Woodford), David Anthony Pidcock (Sydney)
Primary Examiner: Jan Christopher L Merene
Assistant Examiner: Ned T Heffner
Application Number: 16/022,180
International Classification: A61M 16/06 (20060101);